A website detailing the thousands of Christmas services at Church of England parishes has been viewed more than 15,400 times – getting more people into church this Christmas.
Radio 2 Breakfast presenter Chris Evans featured www.christmasnearyou.com on his show after complaining that he had missed a local carol service. The recommendation resulted in almost 2,000 visits in the following 24 hours.
The website detailing Christmas and carol services at the 16,000 CofE churches – from large city centre cathedrals to small rural parishes – was launched by comedian Jo Brand at the beginning of December.
Many churches which posted on the site are reporting more people attending services.
More than 3,000 shoppers filled St Albans Abbey last Saturday for the popular carols every hour on the hour – from 11 am to 4 pm. Subdean of St Albans Canon Richard Watson said: “We were delighted with the turnout this year. We got out the message both locally through advertising and our stall on the Christmas market, and nationally through the Christmas Near You website. The good news that Christ is born in the midst of our every day lives is still a message which resonates even in the mad rush of modern living.”
The Revd Sue Booys, Rector of Dorchester Abbey in Oxfordshire said there had been a marked increase in numbers attending the Sunday evening carol service. “We offer a traditional carol service by candle light with no charge – as do churches up and down the country. It is wonderful to welcome people from the local community and further afield all celebrating the birth of Christ. We even had a return visitor from Australia!”
“The beauty of the site is its simplicity,” says Matthew Smith of Chapel Studios, who developed the site. “Just entering their postcode, or using their location on the myCofE iPhone app, people can instantly find their nearest Christmas service. It provides a cutting-edge solution to help people celebrate one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar.”